Jockey Eliseo Ruiz suspended 30 days for unsightly ride
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Eliseo Ruiz has been suspended 30 days for his controversial ride aboard Bailout Billy at Parx Racing on March 31, in which the jockey is said to have “failed to give his best effort and failed to use proper diligence.”
Ruiz was riding the front-running 4-year-old filly in a first-level allowance and carried a two-length lead into the stretch, but he elected to not use his crop as several rivals began making up ground in the six-furlong sprint.
After completing the opening quarter-mile in 21.98 seconds and half-mile in 45.03, the jockey looked back several times aboard his flagging filly before Cocktail Humor, the 9-5 favorite in the race, surged past late and went on to win by a half-length.
After his ride received negative criticism on social media and triggered an investigation by the Pennsylvania Horse Racing Commission (PHRC), Ruiz and his agent both made statements on Facebook claiming that the jockey was following specific orders from trainer J. Guadalupe Guerrero. Ruiz had ridden the front-running filly in a similar manner in races last year, guiding her to three victories with hand rides and often giving up late ground instead of urging her to maintain her advantage.
“I understand that some individuals have expressed concern regarding what they perceive as a lack of action during my ride,” Ruiz wrote. “However, it is important to note that I followed the trainer’s instructions precisely at all times. I encourage anyone with concerns to review the horse’s previous races, where it is evident that this is a horse with particular characteristics, one that cannot be urged with the whip nor ridden aggressively in a conventional manner.”
In an investigation that included a hearing April 9, the PHRC found that Ruiz violated two subsections in Title 7 of the Pennsylvania Code, Section 305.290, which states that jockeys are not permitted to ease up, coast, or lose ground “without reasonable cause” or “ride in a manner inconsistent with using the best efforts of the horse.”
The PHRC also found Ruiz in violation of Section 185.2, which states that licensees cannot engage in conduct “inconsistent with the best interests and integrity of racing or otherwise undermines the general public’s faith, public perception and confidence in the racing industry.”
Ruiz waived his right to an appeal, and his suspension will begin Thursday. He is slated to ride in two stakes on Wednesday, including aboard undefeated 3-year-old Shane’s Wonder in the $75,000 Wait for It.
Bailout Billy is entered in the $100,000 Unique Bella on Wednesday with jockey Dexter Haddock aboard. Ruiz will also ride in that race aboard the Mike Moore-trained mare Confirmed Star, who responded well to the rider’s crop in an allowance victory on April 8.
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